How can your muscles relax naturally? Join us to discover the most prominent natural muscle relaxants. Have you ever felt involuntary tightness, stiffness, or swelling in your muscles? In this article from Dalili Medical, we will review the most important information about natural muscle relaxants, as muscle spasms can occur to anyone for various reasons and in different areas of the body.

**What is a muscle relaxant?**

 

A muscle relaxant, also known as a muscle relaxant, is a type of antispasmodic medication that is used to relax muscles and reduce tension, stiffness, and pain resulting from muscle spasms. These medications are also used to prevent muscle movement during surgical procedures. There are several types of muscle relaxants, as some work by blocking specific nerve receptors in the brain or spinal cord, while others directly affect muscle fibers to relax them.

**How ​​does a muscle relaxant work?**

 

The mechanism of action of different types and brands of muscle relaxants varies, as they affect muscle function in various ways. Most muscle relaxants act as central nervous system depressants, producing a calming effect, or preventing nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.

In general, antispasmodic medications act directly on the spinal cord or skeletal muscles to improve muscle tightness (hypertonia) and involuntary spasms. These medications work to reduce muscle spasms by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

**Does muscle relaxant medication affect the kidneys?**

 

Muscle relaxants are medications that may cause liver damage and negatively affect kidney function.

**Symptoms of muscle strain:**

- Swelling, bruising, redness, or sores in the affected area.

- Pain in the affected muscle, with pain when using nearby muscles or joints.

- Weakness in the affected tendons or muscles.

- Inability to use the affected muscle.

Symptoms depend on the muscles affected and the severity of the injury, so they vary depending on the muscles involved:

- **Intercostal muscles:** Pain in the area between the ribs, and pain when throwing or cutting.

- **Abdominal muscles:** Pain when sitting.

- **Calf muscles:** Pain in the leg when walking or running.

- **Psoas muscles:** Pain when bending or returning to a straight position.

- **Mass:** Pain when performing a rowing movement.

- **Neck muscles:** Pain when moving the head towards the affected muscle or when twisting the neck.

**The importance of muscle relaxants in medical treatment**

 

Muscle spasms are a sign of involuntary muscle contraction, and may occur as a result of several factors, which sometimes makes them painful. While there are various treatments available to relieve pain, your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants as a more effective option.

**Types of muscle relaxants**

 

. **Peripheral muscle relaxants (Antispastics)**Peripheral muscle relaxants are used to treat muscle spasms. These medications affect the central nervous system and spine. These types of relaxants help relieve spasms and cramps, as well as relax muscles caused by conditions such as spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. They are also used to treat spasms caused by brain injuries, such as cerebral palsy or stroke. Although these medications do not directly treat these conditions, they do improve mobility, and other treatments, such as physical therapy, can help reduce muscle spasms.

. Central muscle relaxants (Antispasmodics) Centrally acting muscle relaxants work to relieve muscle spasms by having a calming effect or by preventing nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. These relaxants are usually used for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. These medications may cause some temporary side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

**Medical conditions that require the use of muscle relaxants**

 

Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms resulting from some conditions that affect the nervous system, such as:

- Multiple sclerosis

- Motor neuron disease

- Cerebral palsy

In addition, some types of muscle relaxants can be used to relieve lower back pain or neck pain for a period not exceeding two weeks. Muscle relaxants are also used to treat muscle spasms in individuals suffering from lower back pain.

**Natural muscle relaxants**

 

**Chamomile**Chamomile is one of the most prominent traditional herbs used in alternative medicine, as it treats a variety of diseases, including muscle spasms. It contains 36 flavonoid compounds, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile essential oil can be used to massage sore muscles, which helps relieve spasms. Drinking chamomile tea also helps relax sore muscles.

**Cherries**Athletes, especially marathon runners, put a lot of stress on their muscles as a result of intense training. Cherry juice can be effective in combating inflammation and common muscle pain. Studies have shown that drinking cherry juice can reduce post-run pain, as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help relax muscles naturally.

**Magnesium**Magnesium is a vital element for human nutrition, as it plays an important role in most body functions, as it contributes to maintaining normal muscle and nerve function. Although rare, early symptoms of deficiency of this mineral may include muscle pain. Magnesium is found mainly in foods such as bananas, almonds, legumes, and spinach, and can also be obtained through nutritional supplements.

**Turmeric** Curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have shown that curcumin can reduce signs of inflammation after exercise. EatingCurcumin supplements or incorporating turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger into a balanced diet can help relax muscles. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid consuming large amounts of curcumin.

**Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil** Some people use CBD oil as a way to help relieve chronic pain, including muscle pain. Research suggests that this oil acts as a muscle relaxant, and many people rely on it for this purpose. CBD oil contains two specific types of anti-inflammatory agents that act as muscle relaxants:

- Limonene, also found in citrus fruits.

- Beta-myrcene, found in lemongrass and basil.

**Peppermint Oil**Peppermint oil is a popular home remedy for muscle pain. Studies suggest that taking peppermint orally can provide effective and rapid pain relief. Topical peppermint oil is also used to treat sprains, as it provides a soothing and cooling effect that helps relieve pain and relax muscles. However, some people, such as those with bile duct, liver, or gallbladder problems, should avoid using peppermint oil.

**Names of muscle relaxants**

 

Your doctor may recommend certain medications if your pain is severe and persistent, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, these over-the-counter medications may be enough to relieve your pain, including:

- **Methocarbamol (Robaxin)**: Methocarbamol is a reliable medication for treating back pain. Recent studies using it for up to 8 days showed that 44% of people who took it had complete pain relief with no serious side effects.

- **Metaxalone (Skylaxin)**: This medication has fewer side effects and is less likely to cause sedation than other muscle relaxants, making it a good choice for use.

- **Tizanidine (Zanaflex)**: Tizanidine is often used to treat spasms in people with multiple sclerosis or paralysis. Spasticity occurs when muscles contract repeatedly, causing them to tighten and tighten. Tizanidine has far fewer side effects than other medications, but it is not the primary treatment for severe neck pain or back pain.

**Dantrolene** Dantrolene is used to control chronic spasticity associated with spinal injuries, and is also used in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Dantrolene is available as a capsule or powder that is injected into a vein. Common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and sensitivity to light, and people with active liver disease should avoid it.

**Metaxalone** Metaxalone is effective in relieving pain and muscle spasms caused by sprains, strains, and muscle injuries. Common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

**Orphenadrine** Orphenadrine is used to relieve pain and stiffness caused by muscle injuries. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting, but these are rare. It is not recommended for people who have a previous allergy to its components, or who suffer from myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, or certain types of ulcers.

**Possible side effects of muscle relaxants**

 

Like many medications, muscle relaxants may cause some side effects. However, not everyone experiences these effects, and symptoms often improve as the body adapts to the medication. The most prominent side effects that may occur are muscle weakness. Other side effects may include:

- Feeling nauseous

- Fatigue and weakness

- Drowsiness

- Headache

- Dry mouth

- Difficulty breathing

- Muscle pain

In addition, muscle relaxants may lead to more serious side effects such as fainting and blurred vision. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor if these symptoms appear. Excessive use of muscle relaxants may also lead to addiction in some individuals.